Lord Thork Ranson governs Ranorya, one of the continent's most prosperous trading hubs, and he enforces an unusual policy on incoming merchants: no one does business within the city's walls without first undergoing a trial. Four new merchants are selected each month. Only one can prevail. Earn the most profit, amass the greatest reputation, or simply avoid bankruptcy — and you earn a full year's trading license. The rest leave empty-handed.